The Washington Commanders are heading into the offseason with a fresh coaching slate, and one of the most intriguing hires is a name that resonates deeply with the franchise-D.J. Williams.
But make no mistake: this isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about potential.
Williams, now the Commanders’ quarterbacks coach, steps into a pivotal role on Dan Quinn’s new-look staff. He replaces David Blough, who’s been elevated to offensive coordinator after serving as the interim quarterbacks coach last season.
And while Williams' name might sound familiar-yes, he’s the son of Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams-his path to this job wasn’t paved by legacy. It was earned.
Quinn has been clear about that. The Commanders’ head coach emphasized that Williams wasn’t brought in because of his lineage, but because of his ability.
“Holy s---, he was excellent,” Quinn reportedly said of Williams’ interview. That kind of reaction doesn’t come from a famous last name-it comes from someone who knows what they’re doing in the room.
Williams arrives in Washington after two years with the Atlanta Falcons, where he served as quarterbacks coach in 2025 and an assistant in 2024. Though he and Quinn didn’t overlap in Atlanta, Quinn had been tracking his career for a while. That familiarity-and Williams' growth as a coach-played a major role in this hire.
In Atlanta, Williams worked closely with Michael Penix Jr., helping the rookie navigate the early stages of his NFL career. Penix showed promise before a partially torn ACL cut his season short, tossing nine touchdowns to just three interceptions in nine appearances. Williams also spent time with veteran Kirk Cousins, giving him a mix of developmental and veteran QB experience-something that will come in handy in Washington.
Because now, all eyes turn to Jayden Daniels.
Daniels flashed brilliance as a rookie but took a step back in Year 2. His third season?
It’s the crossroads. He’s got the tools, the talent, and the drive.
What he needs now is the right support system-and that’s where Williams comes in.
Working under Blough, who brings a fresh offensive scheme to the table, Williams will be tasked with helping Daniels rediscover the rhythm and confidence that made him such a promising young star. That’s no small task. But if Williams can help Daniels take that next leap, it could not only change the trajectory of the Commanders’ offense-it could also fast-track Williams’ own rise through the NFL coaching ranks.
For Washington, this hire is about more than sentiment. It’s about investing in a coach who has shown he can connect with quarterbacks, develop talent, and bring energy to the room.
And yes, it’s a full-circle moment for a franchise icon’s son to take on such a meaningful role. But sentiment didn’t get him the job.
His work did.
In a league where opportunity is everything, D.J. Williams now has his. And if he makes the most of it, don’t be surprised if this becomes the first step in a much bigger coaching journey.